3 Used Car Red Flags
Every car has a history to tell, and although some cars show they have had a difficult past, others can hide it all too well. Wouldn’t it be nice to know about any “dark secrets” a car may be hiding before you plunk down your hard-earned cash?
No Service Records
No Service Records
One way to make sure a car has been maintained properly is to examine past service records. If these are not available, it may be an indication that the car has not had regular oil changes or received routine maintenance. Even if you are purchasing a car from a dealer, it is a good idea to ask if the service records are available. Additionally, check the windshield to see if there is a sticker indicating when the next oil change is due. If there is no sticker, ask the seller why.
Vehicle Inspection
A quick look under the car may reveal fluid leaks, but only an expert can conduct a thorough inspection to determine if a car is in good working order. A Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI), performed by a certified mechanic or automotive technician costs about $100 to $200. This type of inspection will give you a detailed assessment of the mechanical and cosmetic condition of the vehicle.
Remember, if you’re tempted to skip a PPI, you’re making a large investment in a vehicle and the price of the PPI is only a very small fraction of what an unseen mechanical problem may cost to repair.
Remember, if you’re tempted to skip a PPI, you’re making a large investment in a vehicle and the price of the PPI is only a very small fraction of what an unseen mechanical problem may cost to repair.
Problem Titles
An AutoCheck vehicle report (which you should always request) will show any issues in regards to the car’s history-everything from fire and hail damage, to insurance claims. Most of these issues are red flags in and of themselves. However, there are a few types of titles to be avoided at all costs, the first of which is a flood title. This indicates that the vehicle has received significant water damage.
Other titles to avoid are junk titles, which designate vehicles that are not considered safe enough to be titled again in that state, and salvage titles which indicate an insurance company has declared the car a total loss at some point in its history due to extensive damage.
Hawk Used Cadillac
Channahon residents can make sure they always get a great deal on a quality used car by purchasing a used or certified pre-owned Cadillac from Hawk Cadillac. So, if you want to avoid these used car red flags altogether, stop on in today.